Uganda to receive US$2M from the UK to scale up its logistical capacity in response to Ebola

UGANDA – The Republic of Uganda is set to receive US$2.17 million (UGX9.3B) in humanitarian assistance from the United Kingdom (UK) that will be used to build capacity for Ebola preparedness and response across the country.

According to the British High Commission, the UK will provide the financial support to United Nations agencies working with the Government of Uganda in the Ebola response including the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and World Food Programme (WFP).

“This will consist of: US$393,996 million to the World Health Organization, to enhance case investigation and contact tracing at the local level, support laboratory diagnosis, and strengthen co-ordination of the response,” the department said.

Foreign consulate in Kampala underscored that that part of the financial support includes US$886,491 to UNICEF, to help prevent transmission of the disease through both strengthened engagement with local communities.

In addition, part of UK’s assistance will be used to improve sanitation and hygiene provision in key installations such as community health facilities and schools in the affected areas.

“The UK is helping the Government of Uganda and its partners in their response, by providing both funding that can help scale up delivery on the ground, and experts who bring experience of previous Ebola outbreaks in other countries,” the agency highlighted.

The British High Commission further said that the United Kingdom will provide US$886,491 to the World Food Programme, to support transport, logistics and storage for the overall UN response.

The overall UN response includes transportation of medical supplies and PPE, provision of cold chain equipment, and supporting the establishment of Ebola Treatment Units.

“The support package builds on previous assistance the UK has provided Uganda. Between 2018 and 2020 the UK contributed nearly US$ 9.85M to support Ebola preparedness in Uganda in response to a major outbreak in DRC and a small number of cases in Uganda itself,” the Commission said.

In addition, a UK Government expert has deployed to support WHO in Uganda, at their request, with expertise on case management while the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team are expected to deploy imminently.

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